The military in Latin America in general, and in Ecuador in particular, at different stages of our turbulent history, had to fulfill the role of “political actors”, either in the defense of the current system, in development, or even in takeover. state control; all this, given the weakness of civil institutions.

Active duty military enjoyed the right to vote from the Constitution of 1830 until 1929 when that right was eliminated. In the Constitution from 2008, that right is returned to the military in active service, the fear of returning the right to vote to the active military was because it would supposedly be “politicized”; In addition, in the 1946 Constitution and in subsequent constitutions, they provided that the military should cooperate to “guarantee the freedom and purity of suffrage.”

In Chile, this right was established for officers in 1925, and for troops since 1980. The military is strictly prohibited from conducting political proselytizing and election campaigns, inside and outside the barracks.

The Venezuelan constitution of 1999 authorized voting for the military, General (r) Francisco Visconti, promoter of this right, believes: “With this norm, the military becomes a citizen with the ability to decide on national interests.”

In Guatemala, those who advocated for that right invoked the Constitution, which states that “no one can be discriminated against.”

In 2003, the Minister of Defense of Peru declared: “I believe in the voice of the military”, this right was guaranteed in 2004, and they voted for the first time in the 2006 elections.

Who to vote for?… for a real statesman who believes in democracy and the separation of powers…

In the Dominican Republic, the argument was that “the opposition to the military vote is part of the hypocrisy that pervades our political and social leadership.”

In Colombia, the right to vote was eliminated for the military in active service in the government of Enrique Olaya (1930-1934), now he touches on the subject again; It said: “The country is late in recognizing the right to vote to those who defend sovereignty, independence, the integrity of the state’s territory and the constitutional order.” It is proposed that Art. 219 of the Constitution says: “Members of the public forces can use the right to vote, and the legitimate use of that right will be guaranteed and enabled by suitable and timely mechanisms.”

In Ecuador, the army, from conscripts to generals, will now think: who to vote for? He will undoubtedly opt for a true statesman who believes in democracy and the separation of powers; which respects the Constitution and its laws. That it does not make them tougher, that it does not disqualify them, that it provokes us, that it does not divide them and the troops rebel against the officers; that it does not damage its deserved prestige, that it respects its laws and regulations; that he does not raise his hand in promotions, especially generals and admirals; which maintains legitimate social security rights; appoint a Minister of Defense, civilian or military, male or female, who appreciates the importance of a victorious, professional and democratic armed forces. (OR)